From left, Special Sergeant Christopher Bowen; Special Corporal George Hunter; Special Inspector Daniel Williams and Special Constable Nigel Melbourne of the ISCF Association share in the moment with their St James counterparts during the presentation of a computer and other equipment to the ISCF's parish branch. The presentation took place at the Freeport Police Station last Thursday. Members of the St James division - Special Sergeant Garfield Davis, Special Woman Sgt Jeneita Robinson, Special Inspector Leonard Mason and Special Commander in charge of the St James Division Carl Kerr (all in uniform) - seem pleased at the gesture. (Photo: Vivian Tyson)

WESTERN BUREAU - The Island Special Constabulary Force will spend $700,000 over the next three months to donate computers to their parish offices across the island.

St James was the first parish to benefit.
Last Thursday, Special Commander in charge of the St James Police Division Carl Kerr welcomed the gift of the computer from the national body.

"We really appreciate this gift, and we know that it would go a far way in assisting members of the ISCF in the parish," he told the Observer.

Meanwhile St Ann, Westmoreland and Clarendon will get their equipment before the end of this week.

Hanover, Trelawny and Manchester will be next in line to receive their computers by next month.

"All the parish offices should be equipped by the next three months. .The members have committed on a monthly basis until all (parish offices) have computers," Special Inspector and Chairman of the ISCF Association Daniel Williams told the Observer.

The funds to purchase the computers are sourced primarily through voluntary salary deductions from ISCF members. Each computer, along with the requisite software, is valued at approximately $60,000.

"The computer is the way forward and will enhance the job of the police men and women in the ISCF," Williams said. "We will not be asking any business interest funding for the project, this is a self-help project."

The computer distribution comes at a time, SI Williams said, when ISCF members have additional responsibilities such as helping to curb illegal mining, traffic offences and illegal vending.

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